Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Local fundraiser raises over £5,000 for Action For Kids

by Ethos public relations

Keen charity supporter, Jo Peasland, from Wimbledon, has raised more than £5,000 for Action For Kids, by selling car-parking spaces in her driveway to tennis fans.

Running enthusiast and mum-of-two Jo, 40, has been selling car parking spaces on her driveway to Wimbledon-goers in an attempt to beat her fund raising target. Jo’s efforts have paid off as she managed to raise a total of £5,025 for the national disability charity.

Jo’s fundraising started earlier in the year, when she completed the London Marathon in April, despite serious injury.

“I developed heel pain after completing the Brighton half marathon in February,” Jo said. “An ultrasound scan confirmed a severely bruised calcaneus (heel bone). I was advised that any further running on the foot would result in a stress fracture. Parys Edwards, from PhysioSW19 clinic, began treatments to reduce the pain and devised a non-impact training program involving aqua-jogging and cycling to help keep up my Cardio Vascular fitness up until the day of the marathon.

“I just knew that pulling out of the marathon was not an option especially as I had already received some £2,000 in sponsorship. The fact that I couldn’t do any running in preparation was tough, and when it came to the event itself, I was really nervous. However, my foot held up, and I completed the marathon in just over five and a half hours – not exactly the four hours I’d been training for but it was a fantastic day and the crowds were amazing!

“I’m really grateful to my Personal Trainer, Mark Trinidad and my Physiotherapist, Parys Edwards, for their support and belief in me. They knew how determined I was to complete my first Marathon. I’ll definitely do it again next year although I’m also considering cycling from London to Paris.”

Sally Bishop, founder of Action For Kids, said: “Jo is an inspiration! Her efforts are amazing and we are so grateful to her for all her fundraising achievements and continued support.

“The money Jo has managed to raise will help make a real difference to our work - helping provide more independence, opportunities and support to disabled children and young people all around the UK.

“The funds will go towards the provision of specialist mobility equipment - one of the services we provide for disabled young people up to the age of 26 - helping children and young people be independently mobile. So a big thank you to Jo!”

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Posted at 6^th July 2011